Jed Olaf Gilbertson, an adored husband, father, PaPa, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

To celebrate Jed's life, there will be a visitation beginning at 5:00 PM with a prayer service and time for sharing at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 PM, on Friday, October 16, at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, located at 825 E Broadway Ave. Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Born on December 15, 1961, in Dickinson, ND, Jed was the youngest son of Art and Lois (Otterson) Gilbertson, who instilled in him the values of kindness, humor, and dedication that defined his life.

Jed spent his formative years in Bismarck, where he attended Richholt Elementary, Simle Middle School, and Bismarck High School, graduating in 1980. During his school years, he was an avid sportsman, participating in baseball, football, cross-country, and swimming. His true passion, however, was basketball, which he excelled in during his time at Bismarck Junior College.

In 1985, Jed married Sheila Schnell, in Bismarck. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, blessed with two beautiful daughters, Ivy and Karli, and later, three precious grandchildren: Isaac and Kasey Twigg, and Leo Celski.

Jed shared his love of basketball with his daughters and their teams at Saxvik Elementary and on various traveling teams, always encouraging the girls and teaching values that reached far beyond the game. He knew how to have fun and made lifelong friends through softball, darts, cornhole, and countless good‑natured competitions. Jed loved to hunt and fish, spending many days in the outdoors swapping jokes, telling stories, and laughing with his buddies. He was also famous for his unforgettable Halloween costumes.

Jed spent 37 years at Super Valu Warehouse, where he was not only a valued, hardworking employee but also a fun, entertaining coworker who brought lots of laughs to those around him. He was actively involved with the Safety and Ergonomics committees, always striving to make his workplace better for everyone. In his earlier days, he worked at Bismarck Parks & Rec, Sioux Sporting Goods, Hal’s, and even had a memorable stint at Spencer Gifts, where he fell for Sheila. In his retirement he was a transporter for Edgewood Village Senior Living, where he put a smile on the face of everyone he encountered.

Jed is survived by his beloved wife Sheila, his daughters Ivy (Joe) Twigg and Karli (Taylor Celski) Gilbertson, his grandchildren Isaac, Kasey, and Leo, and his siblings Jim (Margy), Jay (Samantha), and Jon (Alice) Gilbertson. He also leaves behind his in-laws Gary (Alex Ryer) Schnell, Peggy (Warren) Sundet, Don (Karen Mertz) Schnell, and Ron (Angie) Christensen. He was predeceased by his parents Art and Lois Gilbertson, his parents-in-law Raymond and Geneva Schnell, and his sister-in-law Mary Kay Christensen.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center for their outstanding care and compassion during Jed's final days.

To know Jed was to love him—Jed-O brought joy, humor, and heart wherever he went, and he will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to an organization close to your heart, in honor of Jed's compassionate spirit.